[rawkies]

Hey there, I'm completely new to the high-end niche of headphones and audio equipment. I first was introduced to the world of high-quality equipment after trying out my buddy's Ultrasone HFI-780 headphones and absolutely fell in love with them.  I hope maybe I can get some helpful, quality recommendations for headphones for myself. If anyone can help, I'll be very grateful
 
Some things about me:
 
My musical tastes:
Quite diverse, but seems to focus on very bassy electronic such as dubstep and electrohouse, indie/alt rock, and 60s-era recordings: Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, the lot.
 
Budget: 
Anywhere below $150-$200, the lower the better but not willing to sacrifice too much quality (I know, I know, "How much vaguer can you be?")
 
Uses:
Mostly from an iPod or similar MP3 device, playing .flac, MP3 V0, and MP3 320 almost exclusively. Will probably mostly be used in hallways or loud transit environments.
 
Any and all suggestions are welcome, I will weigh each one equally! Thanks for taking the time to help me out, I appreciate it and await your replies
usoPreviewPopup

 

[FlyingDolphin]

What do you really like about the hfi 780 and what do you think can be improved?
You definitely want a closed headphone.
What's your source?

 

[rawkies]

Quote:

What do you really like about the hfi 780 and what do you think can be improved?
You definitely want a closed headphone.
What's your source?

 
Ok, going to try to use some words off that glossary here...
The fullness of the music was very noticeable. The range was exceptional.  The lows were seismic and the highs were round.
 
Just overall great sound.  I didn't see much at all that could have been improved.
 
Source will usually be a 2nd-Gen iPod Nano and possibly a computer with no amp or PCI sound card (willing to abandon as I already have a decent set of speakers hooked up to it).  Lately I've been thinking of getting the newest 160GB iPod Classic because I like more of my music accessible.

 

[kboe]

For open you couldn't go wrong with the Grado SR-80s through the 225s.  For closed, maybe the AT ESW9 or ES7.

 

[Shipley]

Maybe Audio Technica ATH-M50's?

 

[kboe]

Those are around the ear though, methinks.
 
EDIT:
Yeah they are, just checked HeadRooms site.
 
Second EDIT:
 
O.k so I cant read.  Apparently he want around the ear phones, my mistake.

 

[rawkies]

Quote:

Those are around the ear though, methinks.

I prefer around-the-ear to anything, personally. It's just the most comfortable for me. I like the isolation
usoPreviewPopup

 

[kboe]

Yeah I just realized that.  I thought you meant "on" ears.  My woops.  

 

[thinkpol]

For anything bass heavy you're probably going to want an amp to really push some air.

 

[shorty920]

Audio Technica M50s or BeyerDynamic DT770 32 ohms. Both great for what you will be listening to.

 

[FlyingDolphin]

If you like the 780, then get it.          http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-HFI-780-Surround-Professional-Headphones/dp/B00101XVH2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1290728928&sr=1-1
 
Shures are also good.